TITLE:
Changes Induced by Physical Activity, Weight Loss and Calorie Restriction in Body Composition, Lipoproteins and Functional Capacity in Obese Congolese Women
AUTHORS:
Moulongo Jean Georges André, Makosso Vheiye Georges, Eouani Max Lévy Eméry, Mouanda Richard Le Savant, Ndalla Mathias Cyriaque, Packa Tchissambou Bernard, Massamba Alphonse
KEYWORDS:
Lipoproteins, Body Composition, Calorie Restriction, Physical Exercise, Obese Congolese Women
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.12 No.6,
June
8,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background. The
effects of physical exercises combined with a low-calorie diet on weight loss,
body composition, lipoproteins profile, and physical fitness had been well
described. However, Central Africa’s studies investigating these kinds of diets
and exercise regimens are lacking. Objective. To investigate the effects of
adding 14-weeks exercises to a hypocaloric diet on changes in body composition,
lipoproteins concentrations, and physical capacities in obese Congolese women.
Population and Methods. In total, 34 obese women aged 30 - 39 years (mean age:
33.7 ± 2.4 years) assigned to 14-weeks training program and low energy
ketogenic diet. Body composition was assessed using classic methods and
impedancemetry. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting serum insulin were
assessing using enzymatic colorimetric and radioim-munoradiometric methods.
HOMA-IR and lipoproteins concentrations were assessed using standardized
laboratory methods. VO2peak was measured on a treadmill during a progressive exercise
test. Speed, cadence and stride length were measured along the 10-m level
walkway. Muscular endurance was measured using the tests of sit-up and
inflections-extensions of elbows. All the variables of the study were assessed
at the beginning, in the 7-weeks, and in the 14-weeks of training methods.
Results. Declines in body weight (16%), percent fat (12.1%), fat weight
(26.4%), abdominal fat (34.2%), and waist circumference (10.4%) were found. A
significant decrease in FPG (13%), fasting serum insulin (60.9%), HOMA-IR
(64.7%), total cholesterol (12.2%), LDL-cholesterol (20.3%), triglycerides
(92.8%), and VLDL-triglycerides (17.5%) was shown. In contrast, significant
increase in HDL-cholesterol (27.13%) was found. The peak oxygen consumption
VO2peak relative to body weight improved more in the 14-weeks training program
(13.4%). Obese women exhibited higher values in the 14-weeks training program
for speed gait (16.5%), cadence (9.1%), and stride length (15.7%) during normal
walk and rapid walk. Weight loss combined with a low-calorie diet and 14-weeks
training program improved significantly muscular endurance capacities. Conclusion.
Exercise added to hypocaloric diet leads to decreases in body composition, to
improve in insulin sensitivity, to enhancement of VO2peak and functional
fitness. This may be helpful for the treatment of the metabolic complications
of abdominal obesity.